Unsanitary spaces impeding Jamaica’s progress
THE EDITOR, Madam:
THE ISSUE of pollution has persisted for years and remains a hindrance to our development and urbanisation. Research has revealed various attempts to curb pollution, such as the plastic ban and campaigns aimed at educating the public and promoting a clean agenda. Despite these efforts, a significant portion of the island, particularly in the heart of Kingston and St Andrew, continues to suffer from pollution.
Some people find it easier to dispose of garbage anywhere on the road. To address this problem, placing garbage bins in high-traffic areas such as stop lights, pedestrian crossings, parks, transportation centres, markets, and shopping districts would reduce the tendency for people to discard waste in the streets. Additionally, at the community level, to prevent citizens from dumping garbage in gullies and waterways, an industrial garbage skip should be provided in central areas of the community. This could streamline the garbage collection process by having citizens offload their garbage at central points picked up by the garbage truck, rather than the trucks navigating through communities to collect from each home.
Organisations focused on promoting the green agenda need to be funded, supported, and established. Successful campaigns such as Jamaica EnvironmentTrust’s Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica Campaign, which utilised songs and jingles to capture people’s hearts and minds, have demonstrated effectiveness. If such campaigns continue to be successful, why not create more agencies that host competitions, innovate technologies, and provide public education to counteract pollution? Consultation with overseas organisations such as the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, United Nations, and the United States Agency for International Development could facilitate the establishment of additional organisations. Moreover, the creation of these organisations could contribute to increased job opportunities for Jamaican citizens, addressing multiple economic issues simultaneously.
Strict laws, monitoring programmes, and effective regulatory bodies are necessary to maintain cleanliness. For citizens to adhere to the agenda actively promoted, there must be consequences for improper actions. Consequently, the implementation of strict laws prohibiting the improper disposal of waste material at unauthorised sites is crucial.
Pollution impedes our economic advancement and addressing this issue requires a collective effort from everyone. Let’s start making a change today.
JOHNATHAN JACKSON
Ardenne High School
iamjohnathanj@gmail.com